The back-to-school edition ofTheNew York Times Magazine(September 9, 2018) focused on teachers. Thecoverincluded the declaration that:
"TEACHERS JUST WANT TO TEACH"
...And then continued with abutstatement:
"BUT THE CLASSROOM HAS BECOME A BATTLEGROUND"
Certainly, there are unprecedented challenges facing today’s teachers. But (there’s that word again) there's also a sense of optimism about the shift in ESSA from a focus on teacherevaluationsto one on teacherdevelopment. Titles I, II, III, and IV provide funds for professional development. Let's take a look at "Title IV: 21st-Century Schools (Part A)," which specifies that funds may be used for professional development, utilizing data and technology to improve instruction.
We just completed a teacher ethnographic study with the research consultancy Kelton Global. This process provided rich detail on how teachers use technology and uncovered opportunities to extend the use of digital resources to improve the work lives of teachers.
The study was conducted in 2018 over three phases:
- Smart community:Explored a range of topics with 41 teachers, from why teach to a detailed timeline of tech they use throughout the day.
- In-depth video interviews:These interviews went deeper on a wide range of topics.
- “Dawn to Dusk” ethnographics:We spent a day with eight teachers observing their practice and even went home with two of the participants.
Across all participants, the following wereareas of focus for technologyin the classroom:
- Workflow:This use case was in service of technology for tasks such as taking attendance, grading, and creating lessons. One of the teachers interviewed said that while it was an advantage to have access to all assignments anywhere with an internet connection, there was no infrastructure to set it all up. Solving this problem can be an opportunity for investing Title IV funds.
- Communication:Teachers use the social media tools we are all familiar with to connect with other teachers, administrators, students, and families. They recognize the positive benefits of networking and mentorship. Teachers are also improving and enhancing their relationships with colleagues and families. Mentoring is a bright spot in the research, and family engagement receives more emphasis in the new ESSA legislation. That's two more opportunities for investment.
- Instruction:In our study, all teachers interviewed used digital resources to meet instructional purposes. The majority use digital resources to replace pens and pencils and fit digital resources within lessons to make them more interactive. There's a lot more that could be done to improve lesson planning and delivery, and additional resources could help make that happen.
- Data:Teachers reported having more data than ever about the performance of their students. That said, they are experiencing what some call “DRIP,” which stands forData Rich and Information Poor. Doing a better job with data analytics that lead to data insights can serve all of the goals of ESSA.
This is a challenging time to be a teacher and also an exciting one. Directing ESSA resources to professional development and the digital environment in support of teaching and learning should be a high priority.
I was somewhat dismayed when a recent survey said that parents were less inclined to want their children to teach. It brought me great joy that my preschool age granddaughter wants to be a teacher among other things like being brave and saving lives.
***
Francie Alexander, chief research officer at HMH, and Sue Gendron, ICLE president, will explore the ESSA provisions that focus on teacher and leadership development in anEducation Weekwebinar on Oct. 10, 2018 at 2 p.m. ET. You canregister today for the webinar, titled "How ESSA Affects YOU: Shifting Focus to Support Today's Educators."
Be the first to read the latest fromShaped.
CORE CURRICULUM
HMH Social Studies, 6-12
SEE ALL SOCIAL STUDIES
AP & ELECTIVES
AP Human Geography
Personal Finance
SEE ALL SOCIAL STUDIES
AP & ELECTIVES
SUPPLEMENTAL
Connected Teaching and Learning
HMH’s Connected Teaching and Learning integrates assessment, core instruction, supplemental practice, intervention, and professional learning all on one platform.
Professional Development
Providing professional development for teachers, HMH’s professional learning courses, coaching, and leadership advisory supports educators every step of the way.
Keeping It Current For Grades 6–12
Each month we bring you videos, articles, and current events designed to build cultural awareness, media literacy, and a deeper understanding of significant historical figures and events.
For Teachers
Coaching Membership
Teacher's Corner
Live Online Courses
SEE ALL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
For Leaders
ICLE (International Center for Leadership in Education)
Intervention Curriculum
HMH's K-12 intervention programs are built on 20+ years of proven results. We can help teachers develop an intervention curriculum that meets students' needs.
Science of Reading eBook
In this exclusive Science of Reading eBook you’ll find research-backed information that will walk you through the experience new readers face as they build their reading brain.
Model Schools Conference
Join us for our 31st annual Model School Conferences presented by ICLE. We showcase districts, schools, and educators who have achieved success.
AP & Electives
Assessment
Early Learning
English Language Development
Homeschool
Intervention
Literacy
Mathematics
Professional Development
Science
School Improvement
Social and Emotional Learning
Social Studies
Special Education
Summer School
SEE ALL SOLUTIONS
Intervention Curriculum
HMH's K-12 intervention programs are built on 20+ years of proven results. We can help teachers develop an intervention curriculum that meets students' needs.
BROWSE RESOURCES
Classroom Activities
Customer Success Stories
Digital Samples
Events & Webinars
Grants & Funding
International
研究图书馆
Shaped - HMH Blog
CUSTOMER SUPPORT
Contact Sales
Customer Service & Technical Support Portal
Platform Login
Free Teaching Resources: Fun Classroom Activities and Lesson Plan Ideas
Here you'll find free learning activities, lessons, downloadables, and videos for students in Grades K–12 to keep learning and growing at grade level.
2022–2023 Monthly Calendar Themes for School
Check out these monthly calendar themes for school, complete with teaching resources for holidays and other days of significance for all grade levels.
Learn about us
About
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Governance
News Announcements
Our Legacy
Social Responsibility
Supplier Diversity
Join Us
Careers
Educator Input Panel
Suppliers and Vendors
Divisions
Heinemann
ICLE (International Center for Leadership in Education)
NWEA